Watchman - Like Neva Before

Published Wednesday 15th February 2006
Watchman - Like Neva Before
Watchman - Like Neva Before

STYLE: Hip-Hop
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 15633-10915
LABEL: Independent RAP 5036848001065
FORMAT: CD Single
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Kwaku

Although just three tracks from his upcoming album, there is enough creative invention here to suggest that the full album will be a stone killer. Watchman is one of the UK's leading reggae gospel's toasters/rappers. For those wanting to boogie on the dancefloor, Watchman provides the bubbly, upbeat dancehall-rhythmed "Christian Party". Imagine people shaking it on down to an irresistible dancehall rhythm, except the toaster is exhorting Christian values. This cut could easily be a fixture on gospel dance sets. Watchman prefaces the serious words on the title track with a bit of humour poking fun at dreary, old-time gospel music. Over a tough, brass-blessed dancehall rhythm, Watchman bigs up the onward march being made by gospel music into mainstream radio. It's a very joyful track. However, the cut that's most likely to gain mainstream airplay is the R&B-laced, soulful "If You Know". Sweet female backing vocalists adorn this uplifting and empowering song. Even Watchman turns to the sing-jay part-singing style. This is certainly the obvious single. It's very strong, very charming and is upfront about God, which should bring the Word to the secular market without being off-puttingly in your face.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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